In August, 62-year-old Paculis pleaded guilty in federal court to trying to make a deal with Deen's attorney to sign a nondisclosure agreement after he threatened to publicly reveal damaging information about her.

Paculis' threat was made as the celebrity chef lost major endorsements stemming from allegations of racial discrimination at her Savannah restaurant. Paculis said "some bad economic times" factored into his attempt.